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“Sick Puppies” and Idol’s Kimberly Caldwell Headline 2011 Green Party

Australian rockers Sick Puppies and former “American Idol” contestant Kimberly Caldwell will headline the third annual Green Party presented by Kiss 95.1 at the Bud Light Pavilion on Saturday, March 12 at 5 p.m.

Sick Puppies’ initial success came on the back of the 2006 single “All the Same” off their sophomore album Dressed Up as Life, which peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. The trio’s popularity grew with the release of 2009’s Tri-Polar, which spawned the singles “You’re Going Down” and “Odd One,” which both entered the top 10 on the Mainstream Rock chart. The album’s third single, “Maybe,” charted on the Billboard Hot 100 and “Riptide,” which was released on February 8, has steadily climbed both the Mainstream Rock and Alternative charts.

Kimberly Caldwell was a finalist on the second season of “American Idol” in 2003. Since appearing on “Idol,” Caldwell has worked as a television host and commentator for networks such as CBS, MTV, FOX Sports Network and TV Guide Network. Returning to her musical roots, Caldwell is set to release her debut album, Without Regret, on April 19. The album’s lead single, “Desperate Girls & Stupid Boys,” was released in December.

Green Party tickets are available at select EpiCentre venues, including BlackFinn American Saloon, Libretto’s Pizzeria, StrikeCity, SUITE, Vida Mexican Kitchen y Cantina and Whisky River. Also, anyone with wristbands from Rich and Bennett’s St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl, which also takes place on March 12, will be admitted to the Green Party as well as any EpiCentre venue for free prior to 11 p.m. that evening. The Bud Light Pavilion is located on the roof of EpiCentre, 210 E Trade Street in uptown Charlotte.

Entering its third year, the Green Party serves as the official kickoff of a busy 2011 season at Pavilion. After an opening month at Wachovia Plaza, Alive After Five returns to Pavilion in May and will continue every Thursday through September. Pavilion will host more concerts than ever before in 2011, including the All-Star Concert Series, Summer Concert Series and Bug Light One Night Stand. In addition, Pavilion will host a variety of events this year, including Field Day, EpiCinco, SOAK Sundays, Movie Nights, Sip & Stroll, Rock the Republic and more.

Pavilion at EpiCentre is Charlotte’s premier rooftop special event venue, located in the heart of uptown. With its breathtaking views, contemporary design and sophisticated Penthouse bar and lounge, Pavilion at EpiCentre redefines urban, upscale events. Flexible floor plans, the fully equipped Bud Light Sound Stage and unbeatable amenities combine to accommodate limitless creativity in event design for groups of any size.